Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao, who the team expected to return as early as this week from what had been called a bruised right knee, instead will undergo surgery on the knee Thursday and miss six to eight weeks, the Cavs announced.

Varejao was leading the league in rebounding at 14.4 per game, while also averaging 14.1 points, but hasn't played since he injured the knee in the Cavs' game Dec. 18 against the Toronto Raptors.

Anderson Varejao was having a breakout season for the Cleveland Cavaliers. (AP Photo)

The diagnosis was a bruised knee, but as his treatment and recovery process continued, an MRI revealed the complications that, after a second opinion, led to the recommendation that Varejao undergo surgery at the Cleveland Clinic.

It's just another in an ongoing series of injuries that have hit the Cavaliers.

Worse, the Cavaliers, who are in the process of rebuilding, have lost in Varejao one of their few veteran players with strong trade value.

If there is a bright side, it's that Tristan Thompson has thrived in Varejao's absence, averaging 13.2 points and 12.9 rebounds.